U.S. patent number 5,297,697 [Application Number 08/095,467] was granted by the patent office on 1994-03-29 for caulk cartridge with valve control.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sonoco Products Company. Invention is credited to David E. Boring.
United States Patent |
5,297,697 |
Boring |
March 29, 1994 |
Caulk cartridge with valve control
Abstract
A caulk cartridge including an end closure having a centrally
extending mounting stub with a reciprocating valve positioned
therein. A nozzle is thread mounted to the stub with inward
threading of the nozzle engaging and inwardly shifting the valve to
an open position for discharge therethrough. Outward retraction of
the nozzle releases the valve for a reseating of the valve.
Inventors: |
Boring; David E. (East Berlin,
PA) |
Assignee: |
Sonoco Products Company
(Hartsville, SC)
|
Family
ID: |
22252165 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/095,467 |
Filed: |
July 23, 1993 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/83;
251/149.4; 239/541; 222/568; 222/82; 222/543; 222/541.2; 222/541.1;
137/68.23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05C
17/00596 (20130101); B05C 17/00586 (20130101); B65D
83/0005 (20130101); B65D 47/38 (20130101); B05C
17/00516 (20130101); Y10T 137/1714 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B05C
17/005 (20060101); B65D 47/00 (20060101); B65D
47/38 (20060101); B65D 83/00 (20060101); B67D
005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/81,82,83,326,327,541,543,559,568 ;137/68.1 ;239/541
;251/149.4 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Huson; Gregory L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dennison, Meserole, Pollack &
Scheiner
Claims
I claim:
1. For use in a tubular dispensing cartridge defining a container
for flowable material and having a discharge end; an end closure
for the discharge end including a closure plate having opposed
inner and outer sides, and a mounting stub fixed to said plate and
extending laterally therefrom, said mounting stub having inner and
outer ends opening respectively to the inner and outer sides of
said closure plate, a passage defined longitudinally through said
mounting stub between and through said inner and outer ends thereof
and providing flow communication through said end closure; a valve
longitudinally reciprocal within said passage between a closed
position precluding flow through said passage and an open position
allowing flow through said passage, and a valve seat on said end
closure, said valve, in said closed position, sealing to said valve
seat, said valve, in said open position, being remote from said
valve seat; and dispensing nozzle means, said nozzle means and said
mounting stub including cooperating means for mounting said nozzle
means to said stub in alignment with said passage and for
reciprocal movement of said nozzle means on said stub to and
between first and second positions, said nozzle means in said
second position being forcibly engaged with said valve and
retaining said valve in said open position thereof, said nozzle
means in said first position being retracted from said valve and
allowing movement of said valve to said closed position
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said valve includes inner and
outer ends corresponding to said inner and outer ends of said
mounting stub, said valve seat being defined in said mounting stub
passage proximate said inner end of said mounting stub, said valve
inner end having a valve head defined thereat and engageable with
said valve seat in said closed position, said nozzle means in said
first position thereof being outwardly positioned on said mounting
stub, said nozzle means being inwardly movable to said second
position thereof, said nozzle means including abutment means
thereon engageable with said outer end of said valve for inward
movement of said valve and movement of said valve head away from
said valve seat in response to inward movement of said nozzle means
to said second position thereof.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said nozzle means includes a
base end telescopically received over said mounting stub, said
means for mounting said nozzle means to said stub comprising
external threads on said stub and cooperating internal threads on
said nozzle base end whereby rotation of said nozzle means relative
to said mounting stub effects said reciprocal movement of said
nozzle means.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said mounting stub includes an
inner portion adjacent said inner end of said stub, said inner
portion being integral with said closure plate centrally thereof,
said stub inner portion receiving said valve head therein, said
mounting stub including an outer portion coaxial with said inner
portion, said passage defined through said stub extending
longitudinally through said inner and outer portions of said stub,
said valve seat being defined within said inner portion of said
stub, said stub passage within said stub outer portion slidably
receiving said valve in intimate engagement therewith.
5. The assembly of claim 4 including a fracturable sealing membrane
overlying said valve head and said valve seat immediately inward
thereof for engagement and severing by said valve head upon
movement of said valve head away from said valve seat.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said valve includes an elongate
valve stem extending outward from said valve head, said stem having
flow passage means defined therealong.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said valve stem is of a constant
cruciform cross section outward from said valve head.
8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said valve stem is tubular, said
flow passage means being defined longitudinally through said stem
and opening through said outer end of said valve, and lateral flow
ports through said valve stem proximate said valve head and
communicating with said flow passage means through said valve
stem.
9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said valve stem ports are closed
by said stub outer portion upon seating of said valve head on said
valve seat.
10. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said nozzle means is completely
removable from said mounting stub, and tether means tethering said
nozzle means to said mounting stub for movement relative
thereto.
11. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said mounting stub includes an
inner portion adjacent said inner end of said stub, said inner
portion being integral with said closure plate centrally thereof,
said stub inner portion receiving said valve head therein, said
mounting stub including an outer portion coaxial with said inner
portion, said passage defined through said stub extending
longitudinally through said inner and outer portions of said stub,
said valve seat being defined within said inner portion of said
stub, said stub passage within said stub outer portion slidably
receiving said valve in intimate engagement therewith.
12. The assembly of claim 11 including a fracturable sealing
membrane sealed to said closure plate inward of said valve seat and
said valve head for selective fracturing upon movement of said
valve head away from said valve seat.
13. The assembly of claim 12 including means on said valve head for
uniformly fracturing said membrane peripherally about said valve
head.
14. The assembly of claim 13 including means for capturing and
retaining the fractured membrane on said valve head and precluding
relative movement therebetween.
15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein said means for uniformly
fracturing said membrane comprises a peripheral flange on said
valve head inwardly directed toward said membrane, said flange
including a sharpened inner edge continuously thereabout.
16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein said sharpened inner edge is
serrated.
17. The assembly of claim 14 wherein said means for capturing said
membrane comprises a spike rigid with said valve head centrally
thereof and inwardly directed toward said membrane for engagement
through said membrane subsequent to fracture thereof.
18. The assembly of claim 2 including a fracturable sealing
membrane sealed to said closure plate inward of said valve seat and
said valve head for selective fracturing upon movement of said
valve head away from said valve seat, said valve head including
means for fracturing said membrane upon movement of said valve head
away from said valve seat, and including means for capturing and
retaining the fractured membrane on said valve head and precluding
relative movement therebetween, said means for capturing said
membrane comprising a spike rigid with said valve head centrally
thereof and inwardly directed toward said membrane for engagement
through said membrane subsequent to fracture thereof.
19. A dispensing cartridge for flowable material comprising an
elongate hollow tube having a discharge end; an end closure on said
discharge end, said end closure including a closure plate overlying
said discharge end and having opposed inner and outer sides, and a
mounting stub fixed to said plate and extending outward therefrom
relative to said tube, said mounting stub having inner and outer
ends opening respectively to the inner and outer sides of said
closure plate, a passage defined longitudinally through said
mounting stub between and through said inner and outer ends thereof
and providing flow communication from said tube through said end
closure; a valve seat defined about said passage, valve means
longitudinally reciprocal within said passage between a closed
position precluding flow through said passage and an open position
allowing flow through said passage, said valve means, in said
closed position, sealing to said valve seat, said valve means, in
said open position, being spaced from said valve seat; and
dispensing nozzle means, said nozzle means and said mounting stub
including cooperating means for mounting said nozzle means to said
stub in alignment with said passage and for reciprocal movement of
said nozzle means on said stub to and between first and second
positions, said nozzle means in said second position being forcibly
engaged with said valve means and retaining said valve means in
said open position thereof, said nozzle means in said first
position being retracted from said valve means to allow movement of
said valve means to said closed position.
20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said valve means has inner and
outer ends corresponding to said inner and outer ends of said
mounting stub, said valve means inner end being closed and having a
valve head defined thereat and engageable with said valve seat in
said closed position, and flow passage means defined longitudinally
along said valve means from said closed inner end and opening
through said outer end of said valve means.
21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein said nozzle means in said
first position thereof is outwardly positioned on said mounting
stub, said nozzle means being inwardly movable to said second
position thereof, said nozzle means including abutment means
thereon engageable with said outer end of said valve means for
inward movement of said valve means and movement of said valve head
away from said valve seat in response to inward movement of said
nozzle means to said second position thereof.
22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein said valve means, outward from
said closed inner end, is of a constant cruciform cross section
defining said flow passage means.
23. The assembly of claim 20 including a fracturable sealing
membrane sealed to said closure plate inward of said valve seat and
said valve head for selective fracturing upon movement of said
valve head away from said valve seat, said valve head including a
peripheral flange inwardly directed toward said membrane, said
flange having an outer edge configured to uniformly fracture said
membrane peripherally thereabout upon movement of said valve head
from said valve seat, and means on said valve head for engaging and
retaining said membrane upon fracture thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to cartridges commonly used for the
dispensing of mastic type adhesives, sealants, and the like.
Such cartridges basically consist of a substantially rigid tube of
cardboard or appropriate synthetic resinous material such as
polyethylene within which the contents are sealed by opposed end
closures. A forward end closure conventionally mounts a discharge
nozzle through which the contents are ejected. The opposite rear
end closure is selectively forwardly slid within the tube for a
forward discharge of the contents through the nozzle.
The cartridge, at the discharge end thereof, is frequently sealed
by an impermeable membrane provided across the end of the tube
immediately inward of the end closure. In addition, the mounted
nozzle will normally be of an outwardly tapering configuration
terminating in a sealed end. Thus, an opening of the cartridge for
discharge of the contents involves both a severing of the tip
portion of the nozzle and a breaking of the inner membrane, both
functions requiring an appropriate sharp implement such as a knife
or the like. The difficulties of opening conventional cartridges
for use have not infrequently resulted in injuries to the user,
particularly to the non-professional.
Another problem frequently encountered with known caulk cartridges
is the difficulty in resealing a partially used cartridge for both
preserving the unused contents and maintaining the discharge
apparatus for practical reuse. One common expedient for resealing
the cartridge involves the use of a separate end cap which is
frictional engaged over the cut tip of the nozzle. Such end caps
are frequently misplaced or accidentally dropped from the nozzle,
thus exposing the contents to the atmosphere.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The caulk cartridge of the present invention is specifically
concerned with the provision of effective means for both opening
and resealing the cartridge.
A related object of the invention is to provide for the opening of
the cartridge without requiring the use of a separate cutting
implement, and to provide for the resealing without the necessity
for utilizing an external cap or lid.
Another significant feature of the invention is the avoidance of
the necessity of a permanently mounted projected nozzle. Rather,
the cartridge of the invention utilizes a removable nozzle which,
upon mounting, automatically opens the cartridge for the dispensing
of the contents through the nozzle, and, upon a removal of the
nozzle, provides for a resultant resealing of the cartridge and a
preservation of the remaining contents.
The principal advantages of the invention are achieved utilizing a
valve reciprocally mounted within a centrally projecting externally
threaded hollow stub or nozzle base integral with the closure plate
at the discharge end of the cartridge. The valve includes an inner
end which peripherally seals against a seat defined at the inner
end of the stub. The nozzle threadedly mounts on the stub and, upon
mounting, inwardly engages against the outer end of the valve
causing an inward sliding of the valve and an unseating of the
inner end for an exposure of flow passages through which the
cartridge contents are discharged into and through the aligned
nozzle.
Upon removal of the nozzle, the valve is unrestrained and free to
outwardly shift to its sealed This outward shifting of the valve is
easily effected by the application of dispensing pressure to the
cartridge contents. The base end of the valve will affectively seat
and seal, with the sealing being enhanced by residue of the
contents between the sealing surfaces.
As desired, and in order to obtain maximum shelf life prior to the
initial use of the cartridge, an appropriate sealing membrane can
be provided below and in alignment with the valve for subsequent
rupture by the valve as the valve is initially inwardly shifted. In
addition, it is contemplated that the nozzle be loosely tethered to
the mounting stub to allow removal without fear of
misplacement.
Other features and advantages of the invention are considered to
reside in the specific details thereof as more particularly herein
set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the discharge end portion of
the caulk cartridge prior to its initial use;
FIG. 2 is a similar view with the nozzle mounted and the cartridge
open for content dispensing;
FIG. 3 is a similar view with the nozzle removed and the cartridge
resealed;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment prior to its
initial use;
FIG. 5 is a similar view with the nozzle mounted and the cartridge
open for dispensing; and
FIG. 6 is a similar view with the nozzle removed and the cartridge
resealed .
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the dispensing
cartridge 10, commonly referred to as a caulk cartridge, basically
comprises an elongate substantially rigid tube 12 of appropriate
material such as cardboard or polyethylene, and opposed end
closures which, in combination with the tube, define a container
for the flowable material to be pressure dispensed.
The invention is principally concerned with the discharge end of
the cartridge 10 wherein the end closure is designated by reference
numeral 14. This end closure 14, formed of an appropriate material
such as metal or preferably a synthetic resinous material as
conventional in such end closures or caps, includes a circular
closure plate 16 with inner and outer sides. The closure plate 16
is of a size and configuration so as to seal the entire end of the
cartridge tube 12 and is sealed thereto in an airtight manner as is
common in caulk tubes. For example, as illustrated, the end plate
can be slightly recessed within the tube 12 and include an
outwardly directed annular flange 18 which engages over the annular
end portion of the tube 12 and is bonded or crimped thereto.
A centrally positioned, outwardly extending, hollow cylindrical
mounting stub 20 is integrally formed with the closure plate 16 and
defines a flow passage therethrough between the interior and
exterior of the tube 12. The mounting stub 20 includes an elongate
externally threaded cylindrical outer portion 22 having a smooth
cylindrical bore 30 therethrough and terminating in a free, open,
annular outer end 24. A hollow cylindrical inner portion 26 is
integral and coaxial with the outer portion 22 and radially
enlarged to define a downwardly directed annular shoulder 28 at the
lower end of the bore 30 defined through the outer portion 22. The
shoulder 28, particularly at the arcuate annular edge portion 32
thereof at the inner end of the bore 30, defines a valve seat as
will be referred to in more detail subsequently. It will be noted
that the enlarged inner portion 26 also forms an outwardly directed
or outer shoulder 34 at the joinder with the threaded outer portion
22.
In addition to the mounting stub 20, the control for the dispensing
of the contents of the cartridge 10 includes a valve or valve
insert 36. The valve includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body
or stem 38 having a smooth exterior surface 40 which compliments
and slidably seals to the interior bore 30 of the mounting stub
20.
The tubular body 38 of the valve 36 includes a free outer end 42
and an inner end closed by an integral transverse end cap 44. An
integral annular sealing flange 46 surrounds the lower end of the
valve body 38 and presents an upwardly directed, preferably arcuate
surface 48 which defines a valve head which engages against and
defines a seal with the valve seat 32 in the uppermost position of
the valve 36.
The tubular body or stem 38 of the valve 36 also includes valve
ports 50, preferably four such ports being provided, at equally
spaced points thereabout proximate to and slightly spaced above or
outward of the valve head 48. In this manner, the valve ports 50
are, in the closed position of the valve 36 with the valve head 48
against the valve seat 32, completely sealed from the contents of
the cartridge.
The valve body 38 is of a length so as to, in the closed position
of the valve as in FIG. 1, project outward beyond the outer end 24
of the mounting stub 20. An annular retaining lip 52, either
integral with the exterior 40 of the valve body 38 or in the nature
of a groove received 0-ring, is provided about the body 38 and so
position as to immediately overlie the outer end 24 of the outer
portion 22 of the mounting stub 20 with the valve fully seated in
its outwardly shifted closed position. In this manner, the valve is
retained in its closed position against accidental or unintentional
opening. The nature of the retaining lip 52, as well as the
inherent resilient flexibility of the mounting stub 20 and/or valve
36, which may be formed of the same material, is such as to allow
an inward shifting of the valve 36 upon application of pressure to
the outer end 42 thereof. As desired, the inner bore 30 of the
mounting stub 20, at the appropriate height therein, can include a
groove for receiving the retaining lip at the inner or open
position of the valve 36. Alternatively, the retaining lip 52 can
merely frictionally engage against and seal to the surface 30 with
the relative resilient compressibility of the material basically
allowing for a retention of the desired seal between the valve and
the bore of the mounting stub 20.
The height of the valve 36 beyond the outer end 24 of the mounting
stub 20 is such whereby, upon an inward movement of the valve 36 to
a point of approximate alignment of the outer end 42 of the valve
36 with the outer end 24 of the stub 20, at least a major portion
of the valve ports 50 will be positioned below the valve seat 32
and within the downwardly opening enlarged inner portion 26, as in
FIG. 2, to define passages and enable free flow of pressurized
cartridge contents through the valve.
Prior to an initial use of the cartridge 20, and in order to ensure
maximum shelf life, an appropriate sealing membrane 54 underlies
the inner capped end of the valve 36 and is peripherally sealed to
the inwardly directed shoulder 28 peripherally about the defined
valve seat 32. This membrane is such whereby a ready fracturing
thereof will occur upon a forcible inward shifting of the valve 36
in a manner to be explained subsequently. As noted in FIG. 2, the
pressure of the inner capped end of the valve 36 will effect a
fracture of the membrane 54 annularly thereabout to allow for free
flow of the contents.
The caulk cartridge includes a dispensing nozzle 56 comprising an
elongate spout 58 terminating in an outer discharge end 60, and an
enlarged cylindrical base or base end portion 62 internally
threaded for threaded engagement with the externally threaded outer
portion 22 of the mounting stub 20. The internal flow passage 64
through the spout 58 longitudinally aligns with the interior bore
of the valve body 36 and provides a generally obstruction free
continuation thereof for the smooth discharge of material. The
inner end of this internal spout passage 64 terminates in an
annular inwardly or downwardly directed bearing or pressure edge 66
defined by the outwardly enlarged integral base 62 and adapted to
engage against the outer edge 42 of the valve 36. As illustrated,
this bearing edge can be relieved, as at 68, radially outward
thereof to ensure proper and continued contact with the valve edge
42 as this valve edge is moved inward toward and relative to the
outer edge 24 of the mounting stub 20.
As will be appreciated from the described construction and the
drawings, the nozzle is threaded onto the mounting stub 20 and
inwardly advanced by rotation thereof to first engage the bearing
edge 66 thereof against the outer edge 42 of the valve 36, and,
upon a continued advancing of the nozzle, to exert such pressure on
the valve as to inwardly move the valve to unseat the inner valve
head 48, rupture the membrane 54, and expose the valve ports 50.
Inward movement of the nozzle will overcome the resistance of the
valve retaining lip 52 and will normally continue until the flared
inner edge 70 of the nozzle base seats on the upwardly directed
shoulder 34 of the inner portion 26 of the mounting stub 20.
Upon an opening of the valve 36, the contents of the cartridge 10
can be dispensed by a forward movement of the contents in a
conventional manner, normally by advancing, by means of a piston
type implement, a sliding rear closure plug (not illustrated). As
suggested by arrows in FIG. 2, the discharge flow will enter the
enlarged inner portion 26 of the stub 20 above and about the valve
head 48 and flow outward through the ports 50.
If the contents are not completely dispensed, the cartridge is
readily and effectively resealed. This is achieved by unscrewing
the nozzle 56 to release the valve 36 for outward movement, and
exerting dispensing pressure on the cartridge contents. This
pressure will outwardly shift the now released valve 36 to reseat
the valve head 48 on the valve seat 32, simultaneously
repositioning the retaining lip 52 over the outer edge 24 of the
mounting stub 20. In effecting this resealing, residue of the
contents of the cartridge will be on the cooperating sealing
surfaces and, in light of the conventional nature of such contents,
ensure that a positive airtight seal is obtained. As will be
appreciated, upon a reseating of the valve 36, the valve ports 50
themselves also seal against the inner bore 30 of the mounting stub
20. The nozzle, upon removal, can be readily flushed out or
otherwise cleaned to avoid any hardening of the material therein,
particularly at the restrictive discharge tip 60, and thus be
appropriately available for reuse.
As the nozzle 56 is completely removable from the stub 20, it is
preferred, to avoid misplacement, that the nozzle be tethered to
the stub by a flexible strip 72 integrally connecting the nozzle
and a ring 74 which rotatably encircles the stub 20.
With regard to a reseating of the valve 36, upon removal of the
nozzle 56 and in response to internal pressure within the
cartridge, it will be appreciated that the area of the end cap 44
of the valve 36 is such that pressure thereagainst exceeds pressure
thereabove so as to result in the desired outward movement of the
valve 36 to its seated position. It will also be recognized that
the valve 36, in its inwardly shifted or open position, is retained
in position against free inward movement both by frictional
engagement with the bore 30 of the mounting stub 20 and by the
internal pressure of the cartridge contents.
Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, another embodiment of the
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment like parts have been
designated by like reference numerals whereby the similarities
between the embodiments will be more readily recognized.
This second embodiment differs principally in the construction of
the valve or valve insert 82 which, while being operationally
functional substantially in the manner of the first described
valve, structurally differs therefrom.
More particularly, the valve 82 has an elongate stem 84 which is
cruciform in cross section and of a constant cross-section
throughout the height thereof. The outer edges of the cross arms 86
of the stem 84 are smooth surfaced, and slidably seal to the
interior bore 30 of the mounting stub 20. The cruciform
configuration of the stem 84 defines four longitudinal flow
passages along the stem and within the bore 30.
A circular valve head 88 is integral with the lower end of the stem
84 with the stem projecting centrally therefrom. The valve head 88
is, in the closed position of the valve of FIG. 4, upwardly
received within the hollow cylindrical inner portion 26 and engaged
with the downwardly directed annular shoulder 28 at the lower end
of the bore 30.
The valve head 88 includes an integral downwardly depending
peripheral flange 90, the outer circumferential surface of which
engages, with a light interference or frictional fit, with the
annular inwardly directed wall 92 of the cylindrical portion 26
below the shoulder 28, and between the shoulder 28 and the flat
inner surface 94 of the closure plate 16. The height of the valve
head flange 90 and the cooperating surface 92 can vary in accord
with the length of the seal desired or required by the contents of
the cartridge 10. The valve head 88 defines an end cap, similar to
the end cap 44 of the valve 36, closing the lower ends of the
passages defined by the cruciform stem 84.
The lower downwardly directed annular edge 96 of the valve head
flange 90 is serrated and beveled toward the outer peripheral
surface of the flange 90 to define a sharpened or cutting edge. In
addition, the valve head 88, coaxial therewith, includes an
integral depending retaining spike 98 of a lesser height than the
depending flange 90.
In the closed position of the valve 82, the stem 84 projects
upwardly or outwardly beyond the outer end 24 of the mounting stub
20, and is releasably retained by small retaining lips 100 which
overlie the outer end 24, much in the manner of the retaining lip
52 of the valve 36. It is preferred that a lip 100 be provided on
the outer edge surface of each stem arm 86.
In this outermost position of the valve 82, as in FIG. 4, the valve
head 88, including the upper surface thereof and the outer face of
the depending flange 90, engage and seat against the downwardly
directed shoulder 28 and inwardly directed surface 92, which define
the valve seat. The serrated lower edge 96 of the valve head flange
90 is positioned slightly above the lower or inner face 94 of the
closure plate 16.
In order to ensure maximum shelf life, prior to the initial use of
the cartridge, an appropriate sealing membrane 104, for example a
plastic/foil laminate, can be provided in underlying relation to
the closed valve 82. The membrane 104, as noted in FIG. 4, will
peripherally seal to the inner face 94 of the plate 16 and, in
conjunction with the closed valve, effectively prevent any seepage
or leakage of air into the cartridge or contents from the
cartridge.
In opening the cartridge for material dispensing, as previously
described by a mounting of the nozzle 56, the valve 82 is forced
downwardly with the serrated lower edge 96 providing for a positive
severing or fracturing of the membrane 104 evenly thereabout and in
a manner which avoids irregular tearing of the membrane which might
interfere with a resealing of the valve.
With the valve in its open position, as in FIG. 5, the contents of
the tube 12, upon pressurization, can flow freely about the
inwardly spaced valve head 88, through the valve stem passages, and
out the nozzle.
Upon a pressurization of the tube contents, the severed laminate or
membrane 104 will be forced onto the inwardly directed central
spike 98. This will ensure a stabilization of the severed membrane
within the slightly cupped or cupped-shaped valve head 88. This in
turn will effectively preclude any possibility of the membrane
being entrained with the discharging flow of material and
disrupting the flow, becoming lodged within the valve seat
When the cartridge is to be resealed, as with the first described
embodiment, the nozzle 56 is removed, releasing the retaining
pressure on the upper end of the valve stem 84. Upon release of the
valve for outward movement, dispensing pressure is exerted on the
cartridge contents. This pressure will outwardly shift the released
valve 82 to reseat the valve head 88 and flange 90 thereof on the
valve seat, defined by the shoulder 28 and surface 92. There will
be no possibility of the severed membrane 104 interfering with this
reseating in light of the manner which the membrane is "captured"
by the spike 98 and flange 90. The reseated valve has been
illustrated in FIG. 6.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a caulk cartridge
has been disclosed wherein the nozzle removably mounts in a manner
whereby a mounting of the nozzle effects an automatic opening of
the cartridge for discharge of the contents and wherein removal of
the nozzle effects a release of the flow control valve for a
simplified resealing of the cartridge.
The foregoing preferred embodiments are illustrative of the
principles of the invention, and as other embodiments incorporating
the inventive features of the invention may occur to those skilled
in the art, the disclosed embodiments are not to be considered as
limitations on the scope of the invention.
* * * * *